Isn’t that special?

The 82nd regular session of the Texas Legislature ended Monday night with a couple of bangs (of the gavel) and at least one whimper(from a legislative aide who complained that he’d brought only enough dress clothes to last him through the regular session). As the first day of the special session dawned this morning, two questions predominated: How long will it last? And, did already beleaguered Democrats mortally wound themselves by running out the regular-session clock with a Wendy Davis filibuster on school finance? They were still being asked when the House and Senate adjourned not long after going into session.

In answer to the first question, Ray Sullivan, Gov. Rick Perry’s chief of staff, said the session could be over in a few days. On the other hand, Perry spokesman Mark Miner pointed out that the governor has the prerogative to treat a special session like a Christmas tree, adding this bauble and that until he’s satisfied with the result.

In answer to the second, Rodney Ellis and other Democrats continued to insist that Perry was going to call a special session anyway and that a special session will brand GOP ownership of all the nasty budget cuts and divisive issues — think Sanctuary Cities — that Republicans will be able to Frisbee through a special session.

Meanwhile, Republicans, including the governor and Sen. Steve Ogden, are saying, in so many words, that the Dems have — you pick the pithiest metaphor, dear reader — (a) opened up a Pandora’s box, (b) kicked open a hornet’s nest; (c) opened up a can of GOP-brand whup-ass.